Review: Roaring Rabbit

A casual gastropub with potential…

The impressive Taj Exotica Resort & Spa may have its roots firmly in India, but this new resort has a range of enticing international dining outlets, including a classic English pub with a wonderful name: Roaring Rabbit. 

The restaurant shows off eclectic modern interiors with the Roaring Rabbit making cameo appearances throughout the gastropub. There are bunny prints on the walls and ceramic rabbits dotted about the entrance.

We started with barbecue wings (Dhs85) drenched in a smokey sauce. The meat was so tender it fell off the bone at the slightest touch and was paired with a green chutney, though we prepared it without.

The chicken tikka (Dhs85) ticked off the necessary components that this dish should showcase: earthy flavours, spicy with just the right amount of char.

For mains, we split a 350g wagyu ribeye (Dhs330) and opted for two sauces – pepper and mushroom. Requested medium-rare, it came perfectly pink inside with a layer of juicy fat on one edge. The steak fries earned the dish more top points.

The delicious chicken Kiev burger (Dhs95) meanwhile, arrived in slider-sized buns with crunchy chicken slathered in chipotle mayo, cornichon (pickled cucumber) and a nutty yet salty, melted gruyère cheese.

To finish, a British favourite, sticky chocolate and date pudding (Dhs55) with toffee sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. The pudding had a soft cake-like texture and was served on a hot plate. So good we ordered more ice cream to see it off.

Ironically, the atmosphere at Roaring Rabbit is more Rustling Rabbit, at least for now. Perhaps word has not quite gotten out about the quality of food here. But there are bags of potential thanks to its tasty, approachable menu and friendly staff. We’d like to see some live entertainment to really give the place some atmosphere.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 275 4444. @roaringrabbitdubai